By Alesha Capone
It’s a beary good idea.
Residents across the west are putting teddy bears and other toys in their windows and gardens, for children and families to see while going on walks during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
The global initiative, inspired by the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, has taken off across Australia, with Facebook groups springing up to chronicle the locations of bears.
Local mother Kayla, who has four children between the ages of one-and six-years-old, has started the ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’- Manor Lakes/Wyndham Vale private Facebook group.
The group, which began around two weeks ago, has more than 390 members.
Kayla said she started the group because she initially wanted to create a map of bear locations for her children, and decided to share it with the wider community.
Kayla said that going on walks to spot teddy bears was a learning experience for her children.
“I think we’re practicing to get to know street names, mapping skills, road safety and crossing the road safely,” she said.
Kayla and her family have put two teddy bears in their front garden.
She said some people who joined the Facebook group had asked if they could use other toys, aside from teddy bears, to join in the fun.
“I just say that we’re very accepting of all imaginary walks of life,” she said.
Kayla said the Facebook group also encouraged families to practice social distancing while out on walks.
